New laws go into effect

The next round of state lawmaking is coming up soon, but Wyoming is not quite done introducing the new laws that were placed on the books during the 2021 Legislative Session. Several changes came into effect as the year began, with others due to become law later in the 2022.

Enrolled Act 67 provides an exemption on property tax for de minimis business property. If a person owns $2400 or less of business property in one county, it is to be considered exempt.

The act also creates a civil fee of $5 per day (up to $250) for failing to report that property to the county assessor, instead of the previous criminal penalty.

Enrolled Act 90 relates to mine product taxes, clarifying the imposition of severance taxes on natural gas that’s consumed on-site. Natural gas that would otherwise have been vented or flared is considered to have no value and is therefore now exempt from taxation as long as it has been certified as originating from a qualifying well.

Enrolled Act 38 changes the definition of a physician assistant (PA) in Wyoming to remove the need for supervision from a licensed physician. Now, a PA is described simply as “an individual who practices medicine” and is described as qualified by their education, training and experience to provide health services.

The new law sets up a relationship of collaboration between a PA and their healthcare team, rather than a situation in which the PA is delegated duties by their supervisor.

An act that focuses on how community behavioral health is addressed in Wyoming has led to a redesign of how those services are provided, considering the increase this state has seen in demand. The intent is to make sure the resources are available are focused on those who need help the most, considering the $7.5 million annual reduction on mental health funding.

Work on the redesign is ongoing, with the act not set to pass into law until July.

A bill sponsored by Senator Ogden Driskill will allow the State Loans and Investments Board to approve the creation of charter schools. In the past, this had to be approved by local school districts.

Charter schools are publicly funded, but are operated independently and do not follow the regulations set by states and school districts for ordinary public schools. The charter school law is set to go into effect in July.